September 1, 2009 - When production started on the new CBS series “The Good Wife,” there was something different about the set. Gone was the ubiquitous pile of empty plastic water bottles left over after a day of shooting on location on the streets of New York. Gone were stacks of paper needlessly printed out in the production office. “The Good Wife” has gone green.

“It’s all about being good citizens,” said producer Brooke Kennedy. According to Kennedy, the key people involved in the production were eager to do their part to lessen their impact on the environment. “Julianna wanted to do it, the crew wanted to do it,” said Kennedy. “Julianna felt strongly about it.”

Those in charge started out by explaining to everyone they hired what kind of company they wanted to be. Implementing several initiatives – like handing out reusable water bottles and utilizing a cart with cold water and a soda fountain – brought about instant results. In all departments, choices are being made to be more green. Smart cars are used by the location teams, greatly reducing fuel amounts. Solar panels were installed on campers provided by Lightenin Production Rentals. The production office has gone to complete electronic distribution. A staffer only gets paper if she asks for it.

“I can’t believe how much we’ve reduced,” said Kennedy. “We must be putting out a third of the garbage [a show like this would].” Vincent Morano, the production coordinator, told Kennedy he estimates they’re using a third less paper than on his last job.

Lynn Powers, the location manager, agreed that the production’s efforts are off to a good start. “I think it is going very well,” she said. “We feel better knowing we are not throwing out hundreds of plastic bottles a day and needlessly wasting tons and tons of paper.”

“These early efforts to go green help to show vendors that saving energy and resources does matter to consumers,” explained Powers.

“What’s really interesting is everyone in the crew is anxious to do their part,” said Kennedy. Different departments are coming up with their own ideas on how to recycle, like the construction department looking for ways to reuse wood.

“For me personally, it's very exciting to see this change,” said Powers.